Advent and Christmas are such busy, busy seasons. Everyone is rushed and stressed. Small tasks seem daunting and, for many of us, life's challenges feel insurmountable. All the more reason to stop, to rest and to take another look at who I am and what I am called to do.

On the Saturday before Christ the King Sunday, my husband and I were privileged to attend a Vincentian day of reflection at Marie Rose Place in Windsor, Ontario. This year, for the first time, the SSVP Advent retreat became a pre-Advent event. This was, I think, a very good plan on the part of Father Joe and Sister Janine who run the small retreat venue. Attendees were invited to plan ahead.


I don't know about anyone else, but an Advent retreat day once Advent is already underway can add more stress to my cluttered mind. Midway into the season of waiting my head is filled with deadlines, as I try to play catch-up with whatever new found Advent idea is presented.

Not this year. Invited to reflect on the Incarnation and our calling to be more Christian and less Theist, we spent a relaxing day coming together as Vincentian family. There were many compliments at the conclusion; I believe most came from the unrushed, reflective nature of the presentation plus the fact that we were not taking a break from Advent, but rather preparing for it.

I need to slow down, to reach inside myself and seek my roots. They are there, in my faith and in my Society. My conference, like most, needs to reach for our roots and realize that our successes will always come slowly. We will continue to work for and serve those who need us, even when we do not see positive things happening. Our Society and individual efforts at systemic change and social justice will continue in the same fashion and for the same reasons.

St. Vincent de Paul wrote: Nature makes trees put down deep roots before having to bear fruit, and even this is done gradually.

My Advent prayer:

Lord, help us to find ways to deepen our roots in this Vincentian vocation. Let us see you in those we serve with love, respect, justice and joy. In this Advent season, help us to serve with patience also, knowing that even if we do not see the results, we are, like Blessed Frederic, 'doing a little good.'

May you enjoy a blessed Advent and a joy-filled Christmas season,
Denise